Resilient demand for condoms, coupled with favourable currency movements and strong uptake of its Play brand of sex toys, fuelled 20 per cent sales growth at SSL International.

Garry Watts, chief executive of the group that makes Durex condoms and Scholl footcare products, said there were signs of a small recession-fuelled increase in sales of the Durex Play range of massage oils, sex toys and lubricants, as more people stay at home.